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The head of the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) Wajid Zia (C) arrives at the Supreme Court to present a final report of the investigation probing allegations of money laundering against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his family in Islamabad on July 10, 2017. Photo: AFP/File

The PML-N leaders have now completely shifted their focus from the ‘establishment and judiciary’ to the Joint Investigation Team that probed the money laundering allegations against the Sharif family and submitted its report to the apex court.

“Our message of conspiracy has already been conveyed to the people and our workers. Now we are only focusing on further discrediting the JIT and challenging its report in the court,” a senior PML-N leader from Punjab told Dawn on Thursday.

The PML-N leader gave two reasons for changing the focus — the Supreme Court’s notice of speeches by Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique, MNA Talal Chaudhry and PM’s special assistant Asif Kirmani, which had the content indicating the involvement of the establishment and judiciary in conspiracies to send Nawaz Sharif packing, and the prime minister’s directives in this regard.

‘Sharifs will face case in SC and accept its verdict’

Interestingly, the PML-N hawks have also changed their earlier narrative and now alleged that ‘directors to get Nawaz’ are sitting abroad and the PTI chairman is working for them here.

Attempts to get Saad Rafique’s reply to a query whether the ‘foreign directors’ he was talking about possessed the Pakistani passport were not successful.

During the 2014 PTI sit-in in Islamabad, the PML-N had accused a former ISI chief of orchestrating the protest to oust Nawaz Sharif.

“Since the JIT has submitted its report to the SC, there is no point in showing public strength or reiterating our old stance. There has been a consensus in the party, including [Punjab] Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, that PM Sharif will not bow to any pressure to resign no matter how much pressure the opposition manages to exert. The Sharifs will face the case in the apex court and accept its verdict,” the PML-N leader said.

The Punjab government believes that there has been “no evidence” of the military establishment or judiciary involved in any kind of conspiracy in the Panama Papers case.

“There is no evidence of conspiracy against the Sharif family by any institutions, including the army, in the Panama Papers case. If someone has he must come forward. The JIT is, however, open to scrutiny,” Punjab government spokesman Malik Ahmad Khan told Dawn.

When it was alleged that Imran Khan was performing on the ‘script’ written by the directors abroad, he said, it was because Mr Khan was playing outside the boundary of the democratic system. “Political stability is the need of the hour for the progress of the country and when Imran and company try to hamper this progress through sit-ins one thinks about the script writers sitting outside the country who do not want Pakistan to move forward,” Malik Ahmad said.

PTI spokesman Fawad Chaudhry rubbished the federal minister’s story of the script writer(s), saying the person the PML-N hawks were referring to was living in Pakistan and working in a construction group. “The PML-N should better find conspirators in Dubai, Qatar and Calbiri font Microsoft. The Sharif family is still living in the 1980s. Since the Sharifs remained part of every conspiracy against the political system, they think the same is happening to them and the establishment is behind it,” he told Dawn.

Fawad Chaudhry said in today’s Pakistan it was not possible for anyone to conspire against the democratic system in the presence of vibrant media, strong civil society and independent judiciary.

He said the PTI expected a decision in the Panama Papers case next week as the apex court would hear the case regarding declaration of the prime minister’s qualification in the light of the JIT’s findings.

“The JIT’s findings are criminal investigation and the Sharif family cannot challenge them in the apex court. The SC may refer the case against the premier and his children to the NAB court where they may contest it,” he added.

PML-N in panic mode. Desperate attempts to blame someone else, conspiracy theories, propaganda targeted at establishment, judiciary and JIT. They are damaging their credibility even more with those tactics, that will eventually lead to their political demise.

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Zia

Jul 14, 2017 08:14am

Going against JIT is same as going against Supreme Court. This way rule of law can never be established if the workers on institutions working for Pakistan are threatened.

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Ali

Jul 14, 2017 08:21am

Instead of countering the allegations, Mr Nawaz is wasting his precious time in baseless narratives. With every passing day he is fetching himself hate from the public.

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IQBAL HADI ZAIDI

Jul 14, 2017 08:22am

In the photo see jubilant PML (N) leaders making V sign against JIT because it is JIT which has shaken Pakistan and neither Imran nor SC can be asked about it. JIT has reported that PM Nawaz and his family income is not compatible which PML (N ) not only totally rejects it but also going against JIT in SC. I wish all the smiling faces seen in the photo burst into wild laughter but as a senior aged 74 years I must hint that the group must keep handkerchief and tissues with them all the time so that they can wipe off tears if SC verdicts against. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi

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Salute to JID

Jul 14, 2017 08:51am

Salute to JIT for carrying out their duties with honesty & without any fear.

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Pakman

Jul 14, 2017 08:52am

Stop conspiring with people PMLN just show the money trail with banking transactions. These very same hawks will be asked to show money trail for their own wealth. This now beginnings of Pakistan.

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IQBAL HADI ZAIDI

Jul 14, 2017 08:53am

In the photo see jubilant PML (N) leaders making V sign against JIT because it is JIT which has shaken Pakistan and neither Imran nor SC can be asked about it. JIT has reported that PM Nawaz and his family income is not compatible which PML (N ) not only totally rejects it but also going against JIT in SC. I wish all the smiling faces seen in the photo burst into wild laughter but as a senior aged 74 years I must hint that the group must keep handkerchief and tissues with them all the time so that they can wipe off tears if SC verdicts against. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi

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Maneuvers for good

Jul 14, 2017 08:53am

JIT questioned the respondents in very decent manner without any cajole, even many questions were not answered, and investigators pass on to next question. The respondents began criticizing JIT before it even submit the report to SC. The case is subjudice and all stake holders may please wait for completion of judicial process.

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Ahmed bin Babar

Jul 14, 2017 09:32am

JIT calling spade a spade is not acceptable..?!

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wasif

Jul 14, 2017 09:36am

PMLN always die in fear of establishment and this invisible sword will be hanging on their neck till their graves.

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Waqas

Jul 14, 2017 09:47am

This happens when their tail is on fire....

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PK085

Jul 14, 2017 09:54am

How convenient. Let them do whatever - the game is over for them.

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Mo Ash

Jul 14, 2017 10:28am

PML-N seems to have lost their sense of reasoning as they are making random decisions. JIT is an extension of judiciary as it was working under the direction of SC.
Mr Sharif & Co have been caught with substantial evidence against them and so far Sharif's Darbaris have made matters worse by by leading Mr Sharif to a destructive path.

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M A Hussain

Jul 14, 2017 10:39am

Sharifs are digging themselves a deeper grave every single day.

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WARRIs

Jul 14, 2017 10:44am

It is a serious worry that all senior ministers are directing all their efforts to protect private business issue of family of Nawaz Sharif and not doing their jobs of running the country.

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Mahmood

Jul 14, 2017 10:46am

So the earlier scramble and maniac verbal attacks on everyone was an impulsive, confused and over-reaction? Now it is more coordinated focus on attacking those who were the main figures in investigating the family?

Yeah, says it all about how this party is in panic mode. Tomorrow they will shift their focus on IK again. Their attacks on the credibility of the German newspaper that first dropped the bomb shell didn't work. Stay tuned. I expect next week they will be singing an entirely different song.

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WARRIs

Jul 14, 2017 10:46am

We must not forget that it was these ministers who distributed sweets when JIT was formed by the court. Now they have turned against the JIT as it did not come under the ministerial pressure. Can we trust these ministers to run our country?? The answer is a simple NO!!

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Wiseman

Jul 14, 2017 10:54am

Go Nawaz and co, GO!

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Ahmed. J

Jul 14, 2017 11:00am

Game set ...and match. N.Sharif has lost it completely. The more they stick to power the more misery and hatred they will get from the public.

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Brain

Jul 14, 2017 11:08am

Sharifs = PMLN, and N is for Nawaz. Nawaz is a corrupt leader and all who supports PMLN is a supporter of corruption.

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Zubair

Jul 14, 2017 11:09am

All work on Railways. National Action Plan, Human Development, Debt repayment, trade and foreign affairs must be completed if these ministers are publicly showing all this time to defend the corruption of their leader and his family at the expense of public project governance, time and money.

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NKAli

Jul 14, 2017 11:12am

@Adeel: Your comment is rather vague. Try to be explicit in your comments so the real message is crystal. Thank you and Salams

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Shaikh

Jul 14, 2017 11:13am

Caught red handed with both hands in cookie jar, still blaming the person who's jar it is i.e. caught red handed from stealing public money and still blaming everyone right left and center. Please NS, have some dignity and ethics (which is hard to find in you and your darbari's) and face the charges and rot in jail..

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KH

Jul 14, 2017 11:16am

For a few dollars more......

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Khwarizmi

Jul 14, 2017 11:23am

How about shifting focus to corruption, poverty, development, security, trade and good governance?
Who is responsible for the dead children of Tharparker?

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Truth seeker

Jul 14, 2017 11:23am

they are targeting JIT to set an example so no JIT can ever dare to speak truth. Noon is a dirty league.

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Mahmood

Jul 14, 2017 11:23am

Bash the messenger. Not the message. That's the last desperate strategy for those going down in flames.

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Viking Star

Jul 14, 2017 11:29am

Musharraf was right with his strategy. These people don't have any sanity and wont ever leave public office unless kicked out with disgrace. I hope people remember picture of NS crying while holding lockup bars.

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Babur-I-Azam

Jul 14, 2017 11:30am

They keep digging deeper, ultimately divine intervention lead to the current impasse - without an external report and IKs drive we wouldn't have arrived to where we are today..

Unfortunately, most ppl still don't understand what the Panama leaks are which shows their lack of literacy in the nation as a whole..well done current & past govts!

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The end is near

Jul 14, 2017 11:33am

He has no shame, no dignity, no respect He can literally go down to any level to stick to his seat of PM. And he has proved it after the recent JIT investigations.

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Truth seeker

Jul 14, 2017 11:39am

JIT you are the best. You rock!! We are indebted to you.

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Jawad

Jul 14, 2017 11:42am

Shameless species on earth!!

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Imtiaz Ali Khan

Jul 14, 2017 11:43am

Cheat, loot, corruption but sure you did do it Mr Nawaz.

Gotta go man! End this drama J.I.T did a fine job he sure lied to SC/Parliament. 30 years plus in government look at Pakistan a third word nation all these looters so wealthy beyond definition. Nawaz said I don't remember yet I signed all the documents nice going.................

It's over man end is near!

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Hasan

Jul 14, 2017 11:48am

' "The Sharifs will face the case in the apex court and accept its verdict,” the PML-N leader said.'

The same way you accepted the JIT report, as promised.

Hasan

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Ali

Jul 14, 2017 12:00pm

There is no shame in these people.

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Dr Accountant

Jul 14, 2017 12:00pm

Of course we don't want the country to move forward, not at-least in the direction that PML is taking it in !!

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Abdul Majid canadian

Jul 14, 2017 12:01pm

@Adeel you will soon be feeling for IK when he fails to prove his money trail

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Burhan

Jul 14, 2017 12:09pm

If that is the case, then Panamagate is also a script and ICIJ must be working under the supervision of the so called foreign powers.

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IQBAL HADI ZAIDI

Jul 14, 2017 12:15pm

All those PML N ministers and supporters who are smiling and making Victory signs to win against JIT are advised to keep handkerchief or paper tissues as well with them in case, God forbid, if SC upholds the decision on JIT then smile cum laughter will turn into tears so they must wipe off tears hence hanky/tissue needed. I sent it earlier also but not flashed. Please do not think that I am against PMLN but hinted it as a precaution. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi

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Burhan

Jul 14, 2017 12:20pm

Yes, PML leaders are spot on! It's all part of grand alliance by 195 countries just to oust NS, the investigation ofPanamagate scandal and even formation of ICIJ was part of the script.

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SAB

Jul 14, 2017 12:23pm

MNS should listen to Nisar, though he will not.

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Vishal

Jul 14, 2017 12:36pm

I don't know that why people are mad in collection of money which they very well knows that there is no use of this money for them during the period of their life. Even after the death nothing will go along with out of that. There should be some mechanism in the world that if anyone is having money more than the his/her requirements then the same is to be deposited in the govt treasury for the welfare of the nation.

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Saif Zulfiqar

Jul 14, 2017 12:44pm

Nawaz & Family should remember the end result of Shah of Iran, Sukarno, Bhutto, Saddat, Ghaddafi,Sadaam etc. All were from muslim countries and which country was responsible for their downfall. Everybody know.,

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Sam

Jul 14, 2017 12:58pm

IK will be Kejariwal of Pak

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Umar

Jul 14, 2017 01:06pm

@Brain well said the public needs to understand

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Umar

Jul 14, 2017 01:10pm

Jit team needs to be defended from these goons because they have done an excellent job

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Zulmai Khan

Jul 14, 2017 01:31pm

No one is above law. Sovereign nations produce honest citizens who protect their motherland. This is a chance for judiciary to take tough action to preserve Pakistan image. On the negative side we are projecting Pakistan as might is right.

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haris

Jul 14, 2017 01:41pm

@Mahmood : They even goes as far as editing the Calibri-Wikipedia page by changing it's introduction from 31 Jan 2007 to Jan 2006. The attempts were made several times and wikipedia has to finally block any modification request.
to sum it all, there is no low-point in N-League.

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sabeeh ahmad

Jul 14, 2017 01:50pm

what else you can do??

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Skkk

Jul 14, 2017 02:07pm

@Adeel you forgot to add Panama, ICIJ and maybe rest of the world, who feel threatened by the sheer intellect of the greatest of world leaders, our PM:)

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yousaf

Jul 14, 2017 02:15pm

@Shan its not nawaz or pmln, its zardari behind the scenes saving his own bacon, he instructed khursheed shah to sabotage the movement all along and now is kind of become the face of opposition and if you had any doubts listen to what the JIT had to say about rehman malik, he had the proof but didn't play along, because if nawaz falls then zardari falls.

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PMLN SUPPORTER

Jul 14, 2017 02:33pm

@Burhan Thank you for speaking the truth. We are with our Honorable PM Nawaz Sharif. The truth will prevail in the end.

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BAXAR

Jul 14, 2017 02:48pm

@Truth seeker "they are targeting JIT to set an example so no JIT can ever dare to speak truth." Lesson to learn: in Pakistan the only way to cheat is through muscles. But if you have muscles, you don't need to cheat. Now it is proven they cannot cheat, and it's too late to use muscles against JIT. JIT cannot change it's findings now. The muscles will have to be used somewhere else.

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Azmeen

Jul 14, 2017 03:39pm

@Ali
PTI supporters hate NS, not the public in general in case PTI considers people outside their part are also Pakistanis like them.